What started as a flashy show of support might soon turn into a public break-up — and a returned Tesla.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering selling the bright red Tesla he bought earlier this year to back billionaire Elon Musk.
This comes on the heels of a heated public feud between the two once-allied power players.
A Tesla Left Idle on White House Grounds
Last Friday, the Tesla — a high-end electric model worth around $80,000 — was spotted parked on the White House lawn.
Just one day earlier, tensions between Trump and Musk exploded into the public eye, casting doubt on whether Trump still wants anything to do with the car, or its maker.
When asked about the possibility of Trump getting rid of the Tesla, a senior White House official told AFP, “He’s thinking about it, yes.”
Market Fallout: Tesla Shares Take a Hit
The fallout from the Trump-Musk spat didn’t stop at harsh words.
Tesla’s stock price plummeted over 14%, wiping out about $100 billion in market value.
It’s a staggering dip that underscored just how much investor confidence can be rattled by political drama.
A Flashy Purchase with Political Intentions
Back in March, Trump made headlines when he announced the Tesla purchase.
He didn’t actually drive it — as presidents typically don’t — but the gesture was meant as a boost for Musk, a mega-donor and, at the time, a trusted ally.
Trump praised the vehicle as a “great product” and used the moment to attack the “Radical Left” for targeting Musk’s businesses and controversial decisions.
The car even starred in a White House photo-op, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt and senior aide Margo Martin snapping pics inside.
Martin captioned her post on Musk’s own platform, X: “Taking President Trump’s Tesla out for a ride.”
From Public Praise to Political Divorce
Fast forward to now, and that very same Tesla has become a symbol of a souring relationship.
Trump, now 78, is reportedly furious with Musk, 53, especially after the tech mogul — once appointed to head the Department of Government Efficiency — openly criticized Trump’s latest budget plan.
Musk had branded the plan an “abomination,” triggering a sharp response from the former president, who threatened to axe Musk’s government contracts.
Should Trump Keep the Tesla — or Let It Go?
With their once-glowing alliance now scorched, the big question is whether Trump will hold onto the electric vehicle or cut ties completely by selling it.
The decision could send a strong message about where Trump stands — both politically and personally.